American cardinal who could one day be candidate for -- As we -- Pope Benedict elevated 22 new cardinals two of them Americans. And tonight the spotlight is shining on one in particular but many now asking could there be a greater role coming. ABC's Jeffrey -- reports now from the Vatican. Again today at mass with his new cardinals Benedict the sixteenth was noticeably wearied and at times -- to speak. Not crude from us. 84 year old pontiff now right to the saint Peter's on a wheeled platform. Unable to walk the I -- With Pope Benedict health failing this may be the last time he puts his imprint on the college of cardinals inevitably at some point in the years to come. The cardinals will have to reconvene here. To select. His successor. Could it be an American biggest American. -- happen boyish grin is the archbishop of New York now cardinal Timothy Dolan. Fellow cardinals are charmed one newspaper is calling him a rock star. Here is typical Dolan. For all the art -- -- -- and I would have put -- Empire State Building your best hopefully the Yankees stadium the statue of justice for all of yours it's -- for me even the Pope is a fan. Thrilled by the blend of humor in devotion that Dolan offered in a private speech to his fellow cardinals the Pope smiled as he presented the archbishop with his cap. And ring he said -- thank you -- and fiance symbols like I said thank you for this and because that's -- while the current Pope is German the last one was polish in a church mired in scandal and seen by many to be out of touch with its followers. Could one man charm offensive be the next resident of the Vatican. The reality with so many new Italian cardinals that is a long shot but this is a church that has seen miracles before. Jeffrey Kaufmann ABC news the Vatican.

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.

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